photo by steed media service

John Shumate’s amiable, disarming disposition masks a fiery, competitive spirit that simmers just beneath the surface of his cool exterior. Shumate brings that energy to the vice presidency of Atlanta’s chapter of the National Association of Black Sports Professionals (NABSP). It’s the same heat-seeking missile mentality he unfurled from his soul to blast through barriers and achieve his dream of working in the world of sports.

“I did it through an internship. My first job in sports, I wasn’t paid a dime. I worked 60 hours a week, seven days a week, plus game nights, and wasn’t paid anything,” he says. “So it’s one of those things (where) I was hungry. I wanted to get into the industry. And I kind of stepped out on faith.” And into a successful sports-related career.

Shumate, the marketing manager for Gatorade’s southeast region, bolted for a master’s in business from Florida Atlantic University, and then got on with the front offices of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins (twice) and the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Through networking and sheer tenacity of spirit, Shumate says many more minorities can be represented in the business side of sports, rather than settling for the playing field. His career is a testament to that.

“In this industry, there is a type of fraternity. It’s who you know. So if you don’t know anyone in the industry, it’s very hard to get in. This organization is set up to help those [who] want to ... get more information about the sports world and get their foot in the door,” he says. Shumate adds, “And [it’s] for those in the industry to network and try to get to know each other a little bit better — and develop better and long-term relationships.” -terry shropshire

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